Abstract

Introduction: Reduced bone density in postmenopausal women is a complex disease with a strong genetic association. Causative factors are both acquired and genetic. Single nucleotide polymorphisms may be associated with genetic predisposition of this condition. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to find out an association between single nucleotide polymorphism (rs4845617) of IL-6R (Interleukin 6 receptor) gene and reduced bone density in cases of postmenopausal women and controls. Study Design: It is a retrospective case-control study. Duration: From March 2017 to Nov 2017. Setting: Different hospitals of Sargodha. Material and Method: About 30 blood samples were collected from postmenopausal women affected with reduced bone density and 30 healthy age-and gender-matched controls. All the blood samples underwent DNA extraction, Polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing techniques. Result: In this study, post menopausal women were screened for the rs4845617 in IL-6R gene for their association with reduced bone density. The chi-square test of independence showed that G allele of rs4845617 was significantly associated with reduced bone density in postmenopausal women (OR=2.28, χ2=8.98, p=0.002). Conclusion: Our results signify that this polymorphism may play a role in reduced bone density susceptibility in postmenopausal women.